New Permission: Edgar Wood Centre, Manchester

On behalf of J.P.S Property Company Ltd. White Peak Planning has successfully secured planning permission for the change of use of the Grade I Listed Edgar Wood Centre, in Victoria Park, Manchester from a Place of Worship (D1 Use) to an events centre (Sui Generis Use).

Following a request for pre-application advice, Manchester City Council initially raised a number of concerns with regard to the proposed change of use. Whilst there were no public objections to the proposal, the Council were concerned that the use was out of centre, would create problems on the local highway network and have the potential to impact on surrounding residential properties.

However, a detailed planning submission was prepared by White Peak Planning, which included a Heritage Statement and Sequential Assessment and was accompanied by a Transport Statement and Acoustic Assessment. This included several measures to mitigate potential impacts and provided the necessary evidence to the Council to overcome their concerns and secure a positive decision.

The grant of planning permission has secured an active and viable use for this unique and characterful Grade I Listed building, and will allow the building to be enjoyed by members of the public. The Edgar Wood Centre is already fully licenced to hold ceremonies and the owner is now looking forward to being able to host a range functions and events.